While summer in Muscat is in full swing, and exhibition season in Oman has come to an end, European art markets have absolutely no intention of slowing down. If you happen to be in Italy this summer, try to make a short trip to Venice to see the hottest art event of this year, the Venice Biennale 2013. The 55th edition of the art world’s largest international festival, which takes place once every two years, opened on June 1 and runs until November. You will discover that all these years you’ve been missing out on the most glamorous art party being held in the most beautiful city in Europe.

Did any of you notice the recent trend? It’s becoming increasingly popular to call yourself an artist these days. When someone asks you: “What do you do for a living?” You can answer with pride, a mischievous look, and that special air of impenetrability: “Oh, I am an artist.”

I know many people who buy art because they like to look at it, but I also know quite a few who buy art as an investment. Buying art is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s one of the most enjoyable investments as you might have it on your wall for a while before you sell it for a profit. It’s always a gamble, yet, if done right, it can return huge dividends.

Since the beginning of the year I’ve been writing about contemporary art, art fairs, and various artists, but I never said anything about my own art. This time I’ve decided to write about my work and my upcoming exhibition 'Sublime and Ridiculous'. Some of the readers might accuse me of self-promotion, but I strongly believe that nobody would be able to explain my art better than myself.